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Alteration in the Yap Signaling Pathway in Cataractous Human Lens Epithelium

Prakash Thushmitha1,2, Pandi Saranya1, Madhu Shekhar3

  • 1Department of Immunology and Stem Cell Biology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Current Eye Research
|July 24, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Loss of SOX2+YAP+ lens stem cells correlates with cataract development. Reduced nuclear YAP and altered YAP signaling pathways were observed in cataractous human lenses, suggesting a role in disease pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Lens epithelial stem cells (SOX2+) are crucial for maintaining lens transparency.
  • Nuclear Yes-associated protein (YAP) is linked to stemness and its disruption can cause cataracts.
  • Cataract involves the loss of specific stem cell populations in the lens epithelium.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of YAP, SOX2, and YAP signaling pathway genes in human anterior lens epithelium from normal and cataractous lenses.
  • To determine the correlation between SOX2+YAP+ cells and cataract development.
  • To explore the role of YAP signaling in the pathogenesis of human cataracts.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were used to analyze SOX2, YAP, and α-SMA expression in whole-mount human lens epithelium.
  • Western blot analysis was performed to assess the expression of YAP signaling pathway components (pYAP/YAP ratio, MST2, LATS1).

Main Results:

  • SOX2+YAP+ cells were present in normal lens epithelium but absent in cataractous lenses.
  • Nuclear YAP expression was significantly reduced in cataractous lenses.
  • Elevated pYAP/YAP ratio and α-SMA, with decreased MST2 and LATS1, were observed in cataractous lenses.

Conclusions:

  • The absence of SOX2+YAP+ cells in cataractous lenses suggests their involvement in cataract development.
  • YAP signaling pathway alterations are associated with human cataract pathogenesis.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand YAP's role in cataract formation.
Keywords:
CataractSRY-box transcription factor 2lensstem cellsyes associated protein

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